CATH vs SPY
Global X S&P 500 Catholic Values ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CATH | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.77% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 447 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +12.01% | +13.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.58% | +20.57% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.56% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.53% | +12.88% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 18, 2016 | Jan 22, 1993 |
CATH vs SPY Performance
Global X S&P 500 Catholic Values ETF (CATH) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year CATH returned +17.58% while SPY returned +20.57%. Year to date, CATH is up 12.01% versus a gain of 13.47% for SPY.
Over three years, CATH compounded at +20.56% per year against +21.83% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +11.53% and +12.88% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, CATH has the edge at +13.92% annualized vs +8.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CATH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.6% compared with 15.3% for SPY. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -34.0% for CATH and -56.5% for SPY. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CATH charges 0.29% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $9 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CATH currently yields 0.77% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
CATH and SPY share 440 holdings out of 508 unique holdings combined, representing a 86.9% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CATH or SPY?
CATH has an expense ratio of 0.29% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CATH or SPY?
Over the past year CATH returned +17.58% vs +20.57% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), CATH annualized +13.92% vs +8.83% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CATH or SPY?
CATH has been the more volatile fund at 15.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: CATH -34.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both CATH and SPY?
CATH and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between CATH and SPY?
CATH and SPY share 440 common holdings with a 86.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 508 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CATH or SPY?
CATH yields 0.77% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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